The Historical Materials of the Nanjing Massacre is a major academic undertaking. Collecting and organizing historical sources, as well as translating, editing, and publishing documents in English, Japanese, German, Italian, Russian, and other languages, is an exceptionally complex and demanding task. As a result, the volumes can only be published in stages over time. Similar material has had to be published in different volumes at different times, and we ask readers for their understanding.
We hope this collection will provide historical researchers and readers at home and abroad with as many comprehensive and detailed historical sources as possible. However, because the sources are wide-ranging, they include firsthand accounts from perpetrators, victims, and third parties; recollections; archival documents; newspaper and periodical materials; and more. Their accounts of the Nanjing Massacre do not always agree. Some contain contradictions due to the writers' positions, perspectives, or limitations in understanding, while others express mistaken or inaccurate views. This is hardly surprising. Accounts of a catastrophe that shocked the world cannot all be identical. Preserving historical materials in their original form is a professional duty and an academic standard that historians must uphold.
Therefore, we include all sources exactly as they are, without making any changes, and provide them to historical researchers, who can examine and analyze them in their work to reach sound conclusions consistent with the historical facts.
This book reminded me of my grandfather, who once told me similar stories. The oral accounts of these survivors gave me a deeper understanding of that period of history. The detailed descriptions in the book made me feel like I was actually there, and I could feel the fear and helplessness of the people at that time. I think such books are very meaningful. They allow us to remember history and cherish our peaceful life now. At the same time, it also reminds me of Zhang Chunru's "Nanjing Massacre". They are both true records of the Nanjing Massacre and are worth reading.
This book has 1.5 Million collections, but only one comment. I suddenly felt very sad. Every word is very heavy. It is difficult for me to express my thoughts after reading it. It is very difficult.
This is an unforgettable national history. We must not forget the history of national humiliation.